Pariwar on OTT: What works and what doesn’t work in latest Malayalam film
Pariwar on OTT: The film features Jagadish and Alexander Prasanth as brothers awaiting their father's death. Let’s look at what works and what doesn’t work in the latest Malayalam comedy drama
Last Updated: 12.40 PM, Jul 01, 2025
The Malayalam film Pariwar landed on OTT last week, after a lacklustre theatre run. But the movie, featuring Jagadish, Indrans, and Alexander Prasanth, has been garnering attention online since its digital debut on Amazon Prime Video for its quirky characters and clean comedy. That said, the film does fall short in certain aspects that prevent it from being an all-out entertainer. So, let’s take a look at what works and what doesn’t work in Pariwar, the latest Malayalam comedy drama
What works in Pariwar
Pariwar’s humorous plot
Directors Ulsav Rajeev and Fahad Nanduin have also penned the script for Pariwar, which revolves around a family at their ancestral home in Kerala. As the elderly Bhaskara Pillai’s health worsens, all his four sons are near his deathbed, but they seem to be interested in the diamond ring. How two of the sons are counting down to the father's demise, and making preparations in advance as they get a better offer, are all humorously presented in the movie. The irony of the brothers as they wait for the father’s death, so that they can get the prized ring, makes you think about the depth of family relations.
Quirky characters lead the way
That Bheeman, played by Indrans, is from the first marriage of Bhaskara Pillai adds to the complexities within the family. Jagadish as aspiring poll candidate Sahadevan and his ‘manasilayilee’ hits the mark more often than not. He is ably supported by Alexander Prasanth’s Nakulan, who is sandwiched between his dominating brother and his wife.
Meenaraj Palluruthy as the cheriyachan (uncle), who predicts the timing of the demise, is also a worthy addition. The wives of Nakulan and Sahadevan, who are also preparing for the customs even before the elderly man breathes his last, add to the chuckle-worthy moments.
Chucklesome dialogues
The film is peppered with witty comments and sly remarks as the brothers trade jibes at one another. Jagadish and Alexander Prasanth get some of the best lines, and their interactions with their equally self-involved wives are worth watching. The film also takes a dig at the right-wing from time to time. Even amid the comedy and quirkiness, the emotional moments will also move you.
What doesn’t work in Pariwar
Forced romance angle
The romantic subplot of Arjun and Minimol feels forced, especially when the couple break out into a song right over the man on his deathbed. The makers probably wanted to drive home the quirkiness of the situation, but the song, even with its old-world vibe, feels out of place. Their romance becomes a burning topic at the climax portion too, but again feels abrupt and forced.
The considerate ‘villain’
Brothers Sahadevan and Nakulan sell off the diamond ring to Gold Raja (played by Rajendran), who gives them an advance even before he has seen the ring for real. And as the brothers are unable to retrieve the ring first when the father is alive, and even after his mortal remains are set to the fire. Even towards the end, the family comes together as they fear Gold Raja. But he is hardly a threat and is mostly seen over video calls.